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Help Stop Government Telecom Power Grab in Tennessee

State legislators in Tennessee are getting ready to vote on the so-called Omnibus Technical Corrections Bill, Amendment SB 3880/HB 3796, in just a few days. Far more than a "correction," this is a massive, complicated plan to use taxpayer funds to expand government's reach over telecommunications by expanding Government Owned Networks.

As history shows, government owned anything usually can't hold a candle to private sector services. Other government entities like the postal service or the DMV are hardly renowned for their service, commitment to quality, and the availability of low-cost services. That's because the government doesn't have any incentives to make them a competitive alternative in most markets.

Unfortunately, rather than going the smart route that would get more communications services to more people by simply doing away with Government Owned Networks, Tennessee is considering expanding these networks. This comes at a high cost that goes far beyond the taxpayer dollars at risk. Opening up markets to private investment brings more consumer choice, lower prices, and most of all: jobs.

Local governments and states across the country are already struggling to make ends meet. Rather than looking for more places to spend and displace private enterprise, Tennessee's legislators should be looking at ways to stop spending and the growth of government.

These leaders need to hear from you today. Please take a minute to email and call, urging them to vote "No" on the Omnibus Technical Corrections Bill and oppose Government Owned Networks.

Only weeks ago, the state was ravaged by floods and the cost to the state, local governments, and businesses are enormous. We need to make sure our priorities are in the right place. Spending millions of dollars to do what private companies are already doing shouldn't be first on the list. Government Owned Networks have failed in many other instances. Here in Tennessee, Memphis Networx lost $28 million. That's certaintly an example we shouldn't follow.

Please contact the Senators and Deputy Governor above and ask them to oppose the Omnibus Technical Corrections Bill.

It’s a new year, and the state legislatures have come roaring back into session chock full of ideas to stop the Common Core education standards that are damaging school systems all across the country. Last year, we saw Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina withdraw from the standards, and 2015 looks to be off to a good start.

Common Core is awfully unpopular for something that’s supposed to be so great. State after state is trying to keep academic freedom alive, and Tennessee is joining that list. Hearings have been held in the Volunteer State, and the fight is on.

The fate of school vouchers in Tennessee will be decided tomorrow, and there is an usual fight brewing. The problem doesn’t seem to be whether or not to offer vouchers, but how many and to whom. Arguments over these details could lead to vouchers being scrapped altogether.

While Tennessee currently allows students to switch from one public school to another, both in-and-out of district, their overall options are very limited. With the currently proposed legislation, SB196/HB190, legislators aim to create much greater educational opportunities that improve the lives of all children; especially low-income families. Children don’t deserve to fall victim to bureaucracies that standardize school programs when their individual needs are at stake.

In the midst of chaotic negotiations between the Senate and the House over the debt ceiling, Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) had another priority: introducing the Main Street Fairness Act, a new quasi-federalized Internet sales tax.

In recent weeks, several states have debated imposing an Internet sales tax on businesses operated within the state. California has already pushed through a new Internet sales tax, with Governor Jerry Brown signing the legislation and hailing it as a ‘tax revenue’ increaser. As with all government actions, there have been some unintended consequences with the new California law; Amazon and O.co have shut down their affiliates based in California, taking thousands of jobs with them.

Tennessee lawmakers are pushing SB 0529, which would force Internet retail giant Amazon to collect state sales taxes that would be passed along to consumers. Amazon has threatened not to build planned distribution centers in Tennessee if the measures are put in place; they have already left Illinois, South Carolina and are threatening to leave Texas for similar legislation.

Across our country, responsible Governors and state legislators are tackling bloated state budgets by confronting the exorbitant influence held by public sector unions. In Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, FreedomWorks is supporting crucial legislation to “Save Our States”.

As many communities were preparing for Tea Party Rallies, a group of 30 FreedomWorks activists in Florida under the leadership of Field Coordinator John Hallman, decided to take it a step further by travelling to Tallahassee to meet with legislators in person. FreedomWorks activists came from all over Florida to deliver a message to legislators in person; "lower taxes, reduce regulations, and let the free market work!" The day started with activists being briefed on the most crucial issues facing Florida, including property insurance, telecom reform, tax hikes on everything from cigarettes to the internet, spending caps, property tax reductions, and judicial reforms. House Majority Leader Adam Hasner also spoke to the group to thank them for taking time to lobby legislators face-to-face. Majority Leader Hasner stressed the importance of citizen action to drive policy, and the effectiveness of activists taking time to come to Tallahassee. He also told the group that conservative House members were united to stop all tax hikes and bring consumer choices to property insurance and telecom.